Donald Perry, Jr.

Donald Denell Perry Jr., also known as Nelly, was born February 17, 2003 in Saginaw, Michigan. He was the youngest child born to Donald Sr. and Latosha Perry.

Donald attended Saginaw High School and was set to graduate with the “Class of 2021”. He accepted Christ at a very young age and served him faithfully throughout his life. He was a dedicated member of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as an usher and was part of the youth group.

Nelly enjoyed playing basketball, video games, and hanging out with his friends. He was a member of the Saginaw High Trojans Basketball team. His hands were blessed and gifted and he enjoyed home renovations and landscaping with Shannon Harris. Nelly was a bright light, a shining star and full of ambition. He was respectful, loving, kind and a loyal friend. He will always be loved and forever remembered.

He leaves beautiful memories with his parents, Donald Sr. and Latosha Perry; siblings, Terence Smith, Texas, Candace Adams, Arlesia Thomas, both of Michigan, Monique, Danielle and Kiara King, Virginia, Hope Jackson, Michigan, Bre Lee and Aliyah Perry, Michigan; grandparents, James (Jacqueline) Thomas, Donald (Diane) Perry, Sharon Price; great-grandfather, Pastor Ernest Brown; nephews, Tariq and Jaidyn Smith, Solathian Holiday Jr., Ahmeir Perry; nieces, Iveyuanna Lee, Serenity Carter and Aliyah Seals; aunts, Anjoli (Tom) Bender, Candy Barnes, KeAira and Charde Perry; uncles, Ruselis Perry, John Green and Tink (Irene) Sherman; godparents, Tiffany (Akili) Dolley, Pamela Walker; god-siblings, Terrance Norman Jr., Paige and EJ Dolly; special cousins, Laneisha, Keisha, Taneisha Roberson, Jaden Riggins, Reise Collier, Jaylon and Curtis Dillard, Tavarion Brown, Nathaniel Brown, Freddie Lee Green III, Willie Rodgers, Derrick Campbell and Chaun Tolbert; role models, Shannon Harris Devana Harrison and Rajeana Drain; many great-aunts and uncles, cousins, dear loved ones and friends, including special friends Lavell Brodnex, Derrick Campbell, Anthony Clark, Jajuan Jones, Vyterius Chapman, Mariah Ross, Savannah Hardy, Semaj Babers, Quintaja Hayes, and his very special friend and girlfriend, Shamaia Harris.

Donald was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Ethel Mae Brown, JW and Annie Mae Thomas, Hattie and Roosevelt Wadley, Charles and Margaret Perry; aunts, Keisha Green and Tiffany Davis.

The family would like to express special thanks to all their family and friends, Pastor Otis Washington and Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.